Frequently Asked Questions about SingTel ISDN-2 service

What is the difference between an ISDN2 line and a normal phone line?

What technology is ISDN-2 riding on?

Do I need special cabling for an ISDN-2 line?

Can I retain my existing telephone number?

How fast is an ISDN modem as compared to an analogue modem?

Do I have to re-configure my PC after installing an ISDN-2 line?

Do I need special equipment to connect to an ISDN-2 line?

How do I install an ISDN-2 line?

Can I use my existing Caller ID equipment on an ISDN-2 line?

Can I also access Internet with an ISDN-2 line?

Can I retain my existing PhonePlus services on an ISDN-2 line?

What is the difference between an ISDN-2 line and a normal phone line? A SingTel ISDN-2 line gives you a combined bandwidth of 128kbps as it carries two channels at 64kbps each. A normal phone line is an analogue line transmitting at 56kbps using the fastest modem. The speed of an ISDN-2 transmission line is in digital form, which is faster and also allows you to save on call charges. Back to Top What technology is ISDN-2 riding on? As the name implies, ISDN-2 is riding on ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network)technology. ISDN is both a set of digital transmission standards, a network infrastructure that allows digital transmission over existing analogue telephone wiring. Back to Top Do I need special cabling for an ISDN-2? No. SingTel ISDN-2 service is provided over the same copper wire used for your ordinary telephone line. Back to Top Can I retain my existing telephone number? In some cases, a new telephone number will be given. When that happens, a special provision can be made to retain your telephone number by forwarding all the calls to your new ISDN number. Back to Top How fast is a ISDN modem as compared to an analogue modem? An ISDN modem is three times faster than analogue modem which is operating at 56kbps (maximum). It can download data within a few seconds. Back to Top Do I have to re-configure my PC after installing an ISDN-2 line? If you are an existing Internet user, you will only need to re-configure your Web browser to dial ISDN access number. Back to Top Do I need special equipment to connect to an ISDN-2 line? Yes, you need an ISDN modem or a network terminator and terminal adapter for the connection to be complete. In most cases, an ISDN modem has two telephone ports which will be connected to your phone and fax, as well as a serial port to connect to your computer. A point to note: Your modem must be switched on constantly. Back to Top How do I install an ISDN-2 lin e? A SingTel engineer will assist you in installing the ISDN-2 line. The engineer will retrieve the copper wire from your existing telephone socket and tap it to another socket. It's a digital socket that will be installed near your existing telephone socket. There will be cases where the copper wire from your existing telephone socket cannot be tapped due to some reasons and hence, additional wiring will be required to install the digital socket. Back to Top Can I use my existing Caller ID equipment on an ISDN-2 line? It depends on the ISDN modem you have purchased. As long as the modem is able to capture the number, the caller's number will be displayed on the Caller-ID adjunct or Caller-ID phone. In addition, you will also need to subscribe to ISDN Caller-ID feature to enable the service. Back to Top Can I also access Internet  with an ISDN-2 line? In order to access Internet with an ISDN-2 line, you will need to apply for an ISDN dial-up or network access call plan with ISPs, eg, SingNet. Back to Top Can I retain my existing PhonePlus services on an ISDN-2 line? Unfortunately no. PhonePlus service only works on analogue lines. However, you can still continue to enjoy similar service by simply subscribing to ISDN-2 supplementary services/facilities. Back to Top